How to protect your child’s teeth during sports

Picture this: a middle school baseball player is up for bat. The first pitch is thrown. Strike. The second pitch is thrown. A solid hit. Except, not to the outfield, but rather the face. Blood appears immediately and the coach runs out to assess the injury. The pitcher runs up to apologize, while the catcher searches the ground for the teeth that have been knocked out. You watch helplessly from the stands wondering what happened… Or, if you’re like me, you’re already on the field holding your child.

When your child plays sports, you might often worry about broken bones or sprained ankles. Well, their teeth are equally as important to worry about! Tripping over a hurdle or a basketball off the backboard to the face could chip or even knock out a tooth.

But, parents! Do not fret. I have a solution.

Mouthguards & helmets: for more than just football.

Yes, yes, I know. Safety–a child’s least favorite word. Trust me, I have twin daughters… I know how hard it is to get them to wear anything that doesn’t look “cool.” My solution? Try showing them these photos from sports related injuries and see what they have to say…

Trigger warning: blood ahead.

The facts:

According to SafeChild.net, 60% of sports-related injuries occur during practice, rather than during games.

This year 5 million teeth will be knocked out of children while they play sports

It is estimated that helmets save one life each day and prevent one head injury every four minutes (Colgate).